The effects of chitosan (CS) intake on faecal microbiota and faecal metabolites were studied in eight healthy volunteers who consumed a mixed free choice diet (control diet) for 2 wks before and after CS intake (CN-1 and CN-2 period, respectively), and the same diet with an additional 3 g CS/day for 1 wk (CS-1 period) and 6 g CS/day for 1 wk (CS-2 period). During CS intake, there was no detectable change in the concentrations of the microorganisms examined throughout the experimental periods. However, the frequency of occurrence of lecithinase-negative clostridia decreased significantly (P<0.05). Faecal concentrations of ammonia, phenol, p-cresol and indole were significantly reduced (PC0.05). The values of total volatile fatty acid showed a significant increase (P

An electrochemical determination of the O2 -concentration from KO2 in DMSO solution using steady state microelectrode voltammetry shows that the KO2/DMSO method with the combined use of a crown compound or sonication is a reliable and simple technique for introduction of O2 -to the biomimitic reaction system.

SUMMARYThe effects of X-ray irradiation on mortality and sterility of the cigarette beetle, Lasioderma serricorne (F.), were studied at doses ranging from 0.05 to 0.2 kGy. Irradiation above 0.1 kGy prevented eggs and larvae from developing to the adult stage. The irradiated larvae remained at the larval or pupal stages for months without further development and ultimately died of desiccation. Irradiation did not affect the viability of pupae and adults but seriously affected their fertility. Females were completely sterilized above 0.1 kGy, although males retained weakened fertility at all doses tested. These results suggest that X-ray irradiation at 0.1 kGy can completely break the reproductive cycle of the cigarette beetle, even though the action is not immediate, and therefore it would be applicable for the disinfestation of stored tobacco. [Beitr. Tabakforsch. Int. 22 (2006)

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